Relative of Wolves legend running for CL

12th September 2018

A relative of legendary Wolves manager Stan Cullis is among the Wolf Pack taking on the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run for Cure Leukaemia.

And Stephen Cullis, Technical Director of the Women & Girls set-up at Wolves, believes it is a Cullis trait to go out and lead by example as he aims to raise awareness and funds as part of the team of runners from the staff at Molineux.

Stephen has previously completed two Tough Mudder events and was disappointed to be working abroad when a group of Wolves staff took on the ‘Wolf Run’ in May, raising just under £10,000 for Cure Leukaemia and showing support for the club’s goalkeeper Carl Ikeme in his battle against the disease.

Stephen’s cousin’s Grandad was the legendary Stan Cullis, whom, as a player, helped Wolves become one of the top teams in the country.

He then went on to become the best manager in Wolves’ history, masterminding all three of the league titles the club has won, as well as two FA Cup triumphs.

Although Stephen never met him, he says his influence is never too far away, and not just because of the fantastic statue of Stan, situated outside the stand which takes his name at Molineux.

“When people spot my surname it is a subject which often crops up and yes, I am a distant relative of Stan,” explains Stephen, who himself has previously managed the Wolves Women team.

“My Mum, my Auntie and my Uncles all knew him and, from what they have told me, he would have been urging me on to do this race just as he would his players out on the pitch.

“It is a bit of a Cullis trait to want to be the very best that we can and to be willing to lead by example.

“So I would certainly say he has inspired me in what I try to do both in life, and at Wolves, and that includes this challenge to try and help other people.”

Stephen with the rest of the 'Wolf Pack' team

Stephen has now embarked on his training for what he expects to be a very different physical challenge to what he has experienced previously.

“With other challenges like the Tough Mudder, there are obstacles to break up the course but in terms of actual running I have never really gone further than a Fun Run,” he adds.

“It is going to involve a different mentality, and I will have to keep motivated because it is a long way to run!

“I am sure the atmosphere in Birmingham will be fantastic and we will all galvanise each other.

“We will all be struggling at some point but we will drag each other on towards that finish line.”

People can still join Stephen in the ‘Wolf Pack’. For FREE entry and a FREE running shirt in return for a minimum of £299 in sponsorship email Georgia@cureleukaemia.co.uk and state that you would like to be in the ‘Wolf Pack.’